Small engine, older cars up to 1700 euro

Malv

Hi, I'm looking for a small engine car, year 2000 - 2004.
My budget is up to 1700 but I'd be willing to pay a bit more if they car is in superb condition.
I've viewed about 15 cars (yaris' and corsas) and all were in a state. All the good kept ones seem to be sold when I call.

I know it's very hard to find one that's kept well but maybe someone knows someone or seen an ad for one in good condition?

I'm getting pretty desperate at this stage :P

Thanks to everyone who helps out

EDIT: I live in Dublin, my engine limit is up to 1.2

The Pontiac

Stay away from Corsa's IMO.

Where are you located? No point on posting up cars in Donegal if you live in Cork.

valerossi

Malv wrote: »

Hi, I'm looking for a small engine car, year 2000 - 2004.
My budget is up to 1700 but I'd be willing to pay a bit more if they car is in superb condition.
I've viewed about 15 cars (yaris' and corsas) and all were in a state. All the good kept ones seem to be sold when I call.

I know it's very hard to find one that's kept well but maybe someone knows someone or seen an ad for one in good condition?

I'm getting pretty desperate at this stage :P

Thanks to everyone who helps out

How small an engine give your max limit, your looking at a 02 with your money id say. What's your general location and what's models are a no no.

Malv

The Pontiac wrote: »

Stay away from Corsa's IMO.

Where are you located? No point on posting up cars in Donegal if you live in Cork.

How come?

I live in Dublin, I can travel around Leinster if the car was worth looking into

The Pontiac

Malv wrote: »

How come?

I live in Dublin, I can travel around Leinster if the car was worth looking into

Pity, as dgt posted this up on another thread. Long NCT and a few months tax.

Corsa's are poor in every department.

Malv

valerossi wrote: »

How small an engine give your max limit, your looking at a 02 with your money id say. What's your general location and what's models are a no no.

1.2 is my limit, thought I'd prefer 1.0!

Well a Matiz is a no no.. also French cars and Puntos

ba_barabus

Clio?

wallyMe

Get a very very nice Punto for 1700. Great cars!

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4945803

miller50841

ba_barabus wrote: »

Clio?

That's a problem it's French

Malv

wallyMe wrote: »

Get a very very nice Punto for 1700. Great cars!

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4945803

Heard they break quite often is it true?

I'm clueless when it comes to cars so any suggestions of reliable cars would be appreciated

miller50841

1.2 Corsa would be ok the 1.0 are sh1t but before you commit if you don't know much about cars get it looked over to be safe.
Safe bet would be Yaris, Micra, Daihatsu, Corsa 1.2 and Fiesta.

miller50841

Malv wrote: »

Heard they break quite often is it true?

I'm clueless when it comes to cars so any suggestions of reliable cars would be appreciated

Head gaskets go but are cheap to fix but would have to say they are far from reliable.

Mint Sauce

I drove an 03 corsa up until about a year ago. Must major thing that went wrong with it was the gear linkage.

Dont get some of the criticism they get.

Malv wrote: »

Heard they break quite often is it true?

I'm clueless when it comes to cars so any suggestions of reliable cars would be appreciated

Fix It Again Tomorrow.

wallyMe

miller50841 wrote: »

Head gaskets go but are cheap to fix but would have to say they are far from reliable.

Very reliable past the 02 models. Head gaskets seem to go on models prior to then. very reliable cars and are decent on motoways.

Have an 03 punto do 400km a week in it on the motorway going the 120 km/h, never had a problem and flew the NCT with a quick lookover

miller50841

wallyMe wrote: »

Very reliable past the 02 models. Head gaskets seem to go on models prior to then. very reliable cars and are decent on motoways.

Have an 03 punto do 400km a week in it on the motorway going the 120 km/h, never had a problem and flew the NCT with a quick lookover

I don't or didn't mean to put it down I drive a lot of car's and find them extremely light but as I said cheap run around's.

Malv

wallyMe wrote: »

Have an 03 punto do 400km a week in it on the motorway going the 120 km/h, never had a problem and flew the NCT with a quick lookover

And how is it on fuel?

I just don't want the car to break every two months or so and I've read that's the case with older Puntos etc

Malv

Also now my question is:
Is it even possible to get a 1.0 in good condition that will serve me for good few years for that price or am I being a lunatic? :P

wallyMe

Its light enough on fuel, get 41 mpg on motorway at 120 and around 50 mpg just on normal 80/100 km roads.

Most of them on adverts have new NCTS so can't be too unreliable!

The Pontiac

Malv wrote: »

Also now my question is:
Is it even possible to get a 1.0 in good condition that will serve me for good few years for that price or am I being a lunatic? :P

Yes it is.

Probably better not to narrow it down to 1.0 though. 1.2 and you will have a lot more cars to choose from.

JohnBoy26

Malv wrote: »

And how is it on fuel?

I just don't want the car to break every two months or so and I've read that's the case with older Puntos etc

Get yourself a Yaris, you will get a good example for that money but you might have to wait a while for a good example to come along, they are out there though.

miller50841

Malv wrote: »

Also now my question is:
Is it even possible to get a 1.0 in good condition that will serve me for good few years for that price or am I being a lunatic? :P

Look up what I said to you in my other post yes you will get a car that will run for a few years just make sure it was looked after and when you have it look after it also.
Check oil, tyres, water, coolant regularly and you should be a ok

wallyMe

Only decent 1 litres are Yaris and Micras in my opinion, know people that had numerous problems with corsas and clios

Malv

What about 1.2 Skoda Fabias?

valerossi

Malv wrote: »

1.2 is my limit, thought I'd prefer 1.0!

Well a Matiz is a no no.. also French cars and Puntos

cool, punto and French

goz83

I don't understand the abise FIATS get. My OH had a 98 punto for 2 years I think from 2005 and never had a single issue with it. We gave it to her mother, who drove it HARD up until last year and 4 people learned how to drive in it during that time. No car would have survived what this car went through with minimal maintenance. It went off the road due to a lot of wear and tear stuff needing replacing, which would have cst way more than the car was worth, so it got scrapped.

When we gave the punto away, I bought the OH a 00 Brava and she had that until last year. In all that time, it needed the back box replaced (and general servicing done by myself). I gave it to my brother and it's still running great.

Both of the cars were given a good old beating when driving and they both survived very well. I would have no problem driving a FIAT.

wallyMe

goz83 wrote: »

I don't understand the abise FIATS get. My OH had a 98 punto for 2 years I think from 2005 and never had a single issue with it. We gave it to her mother, who drove it HARD up until last year and 4 people learned how to drive in it during that time. No car would have survived what this car went through with minimal maintenance. It went off the road due to a lot of wear and tear stuff needing replacing, which would have cst way more than the car was worth, so it got scrapped.

When we gave the punto away, I bought the OH a 00 Brava and she had that until last year. In all that time, it needed the back box replaced (and general servicing done by myself). I gave it to my brother and it's still running great.

Both of the cars were given a good old beating when driving and they both survived very well. I would have no problem driving a FIAT.

+1 - Puntos are 100% more reliable than corsa's and especially clios

snaps

wallyMe wrote: »

+1 - Puntos are 100% more reliable than corsa's and especially clios

never understood it too the bashing fiat get. I owned plenty both here and UK (including alfas) never had any major problems.

Malv

wallyMe wrote: »

+1 - Puntos are 100% more reliable than corsa's and especially clios

Can I ask how come they're less expensive than most cars this type?

Stella Virgo

you wont go wrong with a micra,with a new nct, heres a few for ya to have look at :-)
http://cars.donedeal.ie/find/cars/for-sale/Ireland/new%20nct?filter%28make%29=Nissan&filter%28max_engine%29=Max+Litres&filter%28max_mileage%29=Max+KM&filter%28max_price%29=1700&filter%28max_year%29=Max+Year&filter%28min_engine%29=Min+Litres&filter%28min_mileage%29=Min+KM&filter%28min_price%29=1000&filter%28min_year%29=Min+Year&filter%28model%29=Micra&multiFilter%28fuelType%29=Petrol&source=all

wallyMe

Malv wrote: »

Can I ask how come they're less expensive than most cars this type?

Its like asking why a Skoda Diseal is dearer than a mondeo Diseal.

Scortho

Malv wrote: »

Can I ask how come they're less expensive than most cars this type?

Same reason as an alfa loses something like half it's value in a year.
They're perceived to be unreliable.
Any car is unreliable if it isn't serviced and maintained properly.
Fiat and alfa (especially alfa) need a bit more extra attention that vw and Toyota.

Servicing isn't something is irish are fond off.
Vw will be more reliable but alfa will put a smile on your face.
I'd rather a well serviced fiat than a poor serviced vw.

Malv

Stella Virgo wrote: »

you wont go wrong with a micra,with a new nct, heres a few for ya to have look at :-)
http://cars.donedeal.ie/find/cars/for-sale/Ireland/new%20nct?filter%28make%29=Nissan&filter%28max_engine%29=Max+Litres&filter%28max_mileage%29=Max+KM&filter%28max_price%29=1700&filter%28max_year%29=Max+Year&filter%28min_engine%29=Min+Litres&filter%28min_mileage%29=Min+KM&filter%28min_price%29=1000&filter%28min_year%29=Min+Year&filter%28model%29=Micra&multiFilter%28fuelType%29=Petrol&source=all

Thanks!

What should I look out for in cars over 100k?

Stella Virgo

Malv wrote: »

Thanks!

What should I look out for in cars over 100k?

just make SURE it has passed nct VERY recently!(definiletly within the last month/3 weeks) might be no harm to check out timing belt/chain. if these are ok u shud get another 2/3 years out of it.

BGozIE

you will get a much better punto for that money then any polo,micro,Clio,corsa.
Simply because people think they are more reliable so they hold there value. So usually a polo for 1500 is dog rough compared to the same priced punto.

I drove a fiat stilo as my first car for 3 years. 1 problem in 3 years (ignition coils went) great car!

valerossi

Look at every thing from the skin in crash damage, oil or leaks in the engine bay and shocks, what has been done service wise is their a service history, how does it idle when cold, does it burn oil, what the tires are like, how does the engine sound, test drive it well eg cycle through all the gears a few times, how's the clutch does it feel responsive, does it respond well, does it jutter, does everything in the cab work air con heater hot/cold etc., is their cracks/chips in glass, do all windows work and most improvement how does it make you feel when your driving it if it feels crap your never gona be happy with it. Just take your time and don't be picky about the small things like small scratches i call them little discounts:-) best of look

Malv

valerossi wrote: »

Just take your time and don't be picky about the small things like small scratches i call them little discounts:-) best of look

Oh I like this idea


Also.. I know I said 1700 is my budget however... I found this:
http://www.gumtree.ie/cp-cars-in-kildare/corsa-481366821#

Thoughts? 4100 seems too good to be true for 2007.. but tempting :P

valerossi

Malv wrote: »

Oh I like this idea


Also.. I know I said 1700 is my budget however... I found this:
http://www.gumtree.ie/cp-cars-in-kildare/corsa-481366821#

Thoughts? 4100 seems too good to be true for 2007.. but tempting :P

Go have a look they can't charge for that, strange price my thinking is that's an account of high mileage in compassion to year but if its been serviced with a history log and it seems fair and square how bad. However be cautious with to good to be true it normally is. Studie the log book and inspect the car to the finest detail.

goz83

Heres one in a masculine colour ya big girls blouse

http://www.gumtree.ie/cp-cars-in-dublin/opel-corsa-2007-1-2-5-door-480892212

Malv

goz83 wrote: »

Heres one in a masculine colour ya big girls blouse

http://www.gumtree.ie/cp-cars-in-dublin/opel-corsa-2007-1-2-5-door-480892212

viewed it two days ago. Complete disaster :o

ba_barabus

Don't understand the hate for the Clio. Generally accepted as a good reliable car.

goz83

ba_barabus wrote: »

Don't understand the hate for the Clio. Generally accepted as a good reliable car.

They are FUGLY

ba_barabus

goz83 wrote: »

They are FUGLY

And a Yaris is a sex machine?

dgt

goz83 wrote: »

I don't understand the abise FIATS get. My OH had a 98 punto for 2 years I think from 2005 and never had a single issue with it. We gave it to her mother, who drove it HARD up until last year and 4 people learned how to drive in it during that time. No car would have survived what this car went through with minimal maintenance. It went off the road due to a lot of wear and tear stuff needing replacing, which would have cst way more than the car was worth, so it got scrapped.

When we gave the punto away, I bought the OH a 00 Brava and she had that until last year. In all that time, it needed the back box replaced (and general servicing done by myself). I gave it to my brother and it's still running great.

Both of the cars were given a good old beating when driving and they both survived very well. I would have no problem driving a FIAT.

I think it's just ignorant folk who haven't a clue tbh, don't want to change their views, too stupid to change, stuck in yesteryear when Fiats and French stuff was quite bad.

Pub talk rather than actual experience, not bothering to learn how a car works, not bothering to spend the bit of money on maintainance. Totally dense, a disease to society

I can ramble on about how damn good these cars are, the milestones I achieved with them, the abuse they take, the cheapness to run. If you know me, you don't need to question that

There's no point trying to convince dimwits with a begrudger's attitude, a waste of time. They'll never change.

Also keeps the price down for people like me

Ferrari In Affordable Trim :cool:

To the OP, as long as it's not a Corsa whatever you choose won't be too bad provided you do your homework

Mycroft H

ba_barabus wrote: »

Don't understand the hate for the Clio. Generally accepted as a good reliable car.

My 400 euro one has done 26,000 miles in the last year more or less trouble free.

goz83

ba_barabus wrote: »

And a Yaris is a sex machine?

Where did that come from? And no, they too are hideous yokes. But they make me look cool, even when i'm in the zafira :pac:

Kintarō Hattori

Malv wrote: »

viewed it two days ago. Complete disaster :o

What was so bad about it? I'm hunting for a car larger than that but certainly would have looked at that Corsa if I were looking for something smaller. Anything I can do to avoid the terrible sellers would be great. Why was it a disaster?

ba_barabus

goz83 wrote: »

Where did that come from? And no, they too are hideous yokes. But they make me look cool, even when i'm in the zafira :pac:

Sorry wasn't meant to be directed at you.

Some interesting reading, and look where Fiat came ?

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/how-reliable-is-your-car-here-s-the-breakdown-1.1315815?page=3

Beginning of article.

http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/how-reliable-is-your-car-here-s-the-breakdown-1.1315815?page=1

Look where VW are and no sign of BMW in the bottom 10 so they must be pretty bad these days.

Fiat has come a long, long way !

Mycroft H

I'd take those figures with a pinch of salt. Reliability is mostly down to owner treatment rather than inherent faults that a car has.

BX 19

BX 19 wrote: »

I'd take those figures with a pinch of salt. Reliability is mostly down to owner treatment rather than inherent faults that a car has.

And BMW and VAG owners don't look after their cars ?

SO maybe Fiat owners look after their cars better than VAG and BMW owners ?

Mycroft H

Deleted User wrote: »

And BMW and VAG owners don't look after their cars ?

SO maybe Fiat owners look after their cars better than VAG and BMW owners ?

I said take it with a pinch of salt not to discount them completely

In general, most Irish people don't look after their cars and only fix them when they're broke.